Bhadrakali

This article is about the consort of Virabhadra. For the form of Parvati, see Kali. For the goddess of time and death, see Mahakali.

For other uses, see Bhadrakali (disambiguation).

Bhadrakali (IAST: Bhadrakālī; lit. 'auspicious Kali'^[2]) is an important goddess, mainly worshiped by Hindus, and is a form of Kali. She is considered to be the auspicious and fortunate form of Adi Shakti or Durga, the supreme mother who protects the good, known as Bhadra or Bhadra Bhagavathy. She is worshipped predominently in the South indian state of Kerala^[3] and Nashik.^[4]

Bhadrakali
Time
Goddess Bhadrakali, gouache on paper (ca. 1660–70)
Other names	Maha Maya, Shiva Purana also addresses as Rudra Kali being Shiva's daughter, Shiva nandini
Sanskrit transliteration	भद्रकाली
Abode	No abode. Considered digambari (space-clad), or all-pervading
Mantra	oṃ bhadrakāl̤yai namaḥ
Weapon	Sword: A symbol of divine knowledge that cuts through ignorance. Trident: Represents the three fundamental aspects of creation, preservation, and destruction. Mace: Symbolizes power and strength to subdue enemies. Discus: Represents the cycle of time and the impermanence of existence. Bow and Arrow: Signify precision and accuracy in targeting evil. Noose: Used to capture and bind enemies. Skull and Rudraksha beads: Represent detachment from worldly desires and the cyclical nature of life and death.
Battles	Daksha yajna, Wars with Darika, Ruru, Raktabija.
Day	Tuesday/ Friday [1]
Mount	Vetala
Texts	Shiva Purana, Kalika Purana, Devi Bhagavatham, Durga saptha shati etc.
Festivals	Various cultures across the Indian subcontinent observe reverence through diverse festivals.
Consort	Virabhadra

A 17th-century wooden sculpture of Bhadra Kali from Kerala

In Vaishnavism, Bhadrakali is among the many epithets of Yogamaya, the internal potency of illusion of the supreme preserver deity, Vishnu.^[5] In Shaivism, she accompanies Virabhadra, a form of Shiva, as manifestations of Shiva's wrath.^[6]

Etymology

The name Bhadra comes from Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, "bhadra" means "auspicious" or "fortunate". Another interpretation traces the name to the Sanskrit root word (Beeja akshara) "bha" and "dra". The letter "bha" signifies "delusion" or "maya", while "dra" is used as a superlative meaning "the most" or "the greatest". Together, "bhadra" may mean "maha maya" or "great delusion".^[7][8]

Forms

According to Tantra Rahasya, the feminine form of the divine (devi) arose from the north face of Shiva, which is blue and with three eyes.^[9]

Worship

According to Kerala traditions, the events described in the Markandeya Purana associated with Bhadrakali (her slaying of the demon Darika to liberate the universe from evil) took place in Kerala, near Madayi in the Kannur District.^[10] She is seen to protect the honour of women and to bestow all spiritual knowledge.^[11]

Other legends

According to legends, the Sanskrit poet Kalidasa is believed to have gained mental consciousness due to the divine will of Bhadrakali.^[12]